TMS. Please let us know about your professional journey over the years, including your challenges and accomplishments.
Dr. Himanshu Talwar. I achieved various heights in the field of policy advocacy and advisory throughout my career of the last fifteen years, in addition to counselling budding achievers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and students. I believe whatever I have accomplished is only possible because I have continuously learned and reskilled myself throughout my working life. Having acquired a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), I further enhanced my skills by studying philosophy, law, and attending Executive Management Programmes at Said Business School (SBS), the University of Oxford, the Indian Institute of Management (IIMI), Indore, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore. I even have a doctorate and a post-doctoral degree in business management (D. Litt., H.C.). The only challenge I faced was time management, which, with the guidance of my mentors, I not only managed but mastered in due time.
TMS. It is common experience that random acts of kindness occur in times of crisis, across all walks of life. Although Philanthropy can help bring people together, and stimulate the human spirit, can you tell us about your experience as a Philanthropist?
Dr. Himanshu Talwar. While on the trajectory of professional growth, I realised that giving back to society is equally important. I began by returning to my old schools and colleges, followed by donations and skill development initiatives to various non-governmental organizations, particularly those focused on girl child education and college students. My philanthropic pursuits, fortunately, were acknowledged by the highest echelons of government and industry, and that further pushed me to work for the betterment of society. I am glad to share that today I support some of India’s best colleges, management and engineering institutes, and law schools in whatever capacity I can. As a result, I always spread the message, especially to my peers, that one must support society while also working on one’s own development.
TMS. Tell us about your experience as a TEDx speaker? What were the key highlights of your speech at TEDx events in India & three TEDx International events held in Morocco, Russia, and Tunisia?
Dr. Himanshu Talwar. TEDx—ideas worth spreading—is something that explains its significance by itself. My speeches at all three events were about supporting society and following passion with professional policy. All three events were organised by top universities in their respective countries, and that provided me with a platform to inculcate the idea in students’ minds about how important it is to understand the importance of social work at the student level. Gladly, all the speeches were well received and acknowledged by students and universities. The talks may be accessed on the TEDx YouTube channel.
TMS. The fear of public speaking can feel as nerve-wracking as going for a job interview or taking an important test. As an avid speaker, do you have any key tips to help readers overcome the fear of public speaking?
Dr. Himanshu Talwar. In my opinion, public speaking for some is natural and others master the art by practising. However, at the outset, it is indeed imperative to identify right skills according to one’s personality and expertise and then master it. Some of the key skills would be: –
Breathing while speaking to be mastered so that nervousness can be minimised.
Body language to be effectively used. Basic hand gestures are a must but
too much to be avoided.
Develop own content and rehearse as much as you can.
Like running a marathon, start slowly and then pick up.
Above all, listen to your favourite public speakers and develop your own style.
TMS. What is your leadership style? What according to you are your strong points?
Dr. Himanshu Talwar. I prefer to opt for traits of strategic and transformational leadership together. For me, the most important thing is to strategize whatever work I am doing and then introduce transformation by identifying and introducing new functions and improving the capabilities of myself and my team.
TMS. What keeps you busy when you are away from work?
Dr. Himanshu Talwar. Reading and writing have always been my passions. With a collection of over 2,000 books that includes history, literature, foreign policy, and spirituality, I spend most of my quality time reading. Also, I have developed the habit of documenting my experiences, be they travel or management lessons, and hence I contribute to all major magazines and newspapers on a regular basis in whatever way I can.
